Ecuador police arrest bus robbery suspects; Panama prison raid seizes weapons

The Ecuadorian National Police carried out an operation on the night of June 10, 2026, in the Yaguachi canton of Guayas province, intercepting an intercantonal bus during an attempted robbery. Four individuals – three men and one woman – were arrested, and weapons, knives, clothing resembling police uniforms and phones were confiscated. The suspects were taken into custody for the alleged robbery of passengers.

In Panama, authorities launched "Operación Cerrojo" at the Nueva Esperanza penitentiary in Colón province. Police and the National Aeronaval Service conducted extensive searches, seizing firearms, ammunition, knives, mobile phones, drugs and other contraband to prevent criminal activity from within the prison. The operation follows a recent large‑scale escape from the La Joyita prison and aims to strengthen security in the country's correctional facilities.